Suggestions for concealing ceiling winch hook?

CZSteve · 12-24-2012, 11:29 AM

Alright, looking for input from the DIYer's and / or interior designers...

I picked up a 12volt ATV winch along w/ a wireless remote controller from Harbor Freight - Thinking of installing in the attic to be powered by a 12v deep cycle battery on a float charger; would be perfect for the swing and other play.

Out master BR has a nine foot tray ceiling; popcorn texture & decorative molding along the perimeter.
We obviously do not want to advertise...

- Thinking I'd mount the winch about a foot above the ceiling in the attic (well supported by the joist that will also be strengthened by angle iron).
- Have 'something' that is the camouflage part of the system that will be visible and pulled up against the underside of the ceiling.
- I'll use a light duty spring to attach the 'something' to the winch hook; this will allow it to be pulled up taught against the ceiling and also prevent too much pull against the drywall - just use the remote to lower and have access to the cable & hook.

Having trouble coming up with the 'something' that won't look too strange and out of place.
Plan on placing this in a corner area near a door to the back porch; reasoning is it will always be clear of furniture should we re-arrange.
- So far I've come up with: smoke detector, faux interior dome style security camera, or a small decorative medallion.
Problems (I do tend to over-analyze...)
- Smoke detector: already have a hard wired just outside the MB door - look strange to have another nearby?
- Interior dome style camera: If this is to look legit this is not the place in the room I would place it.
- Medallions: Thinking I could place a small medallion in each corner thus making the functional part of the plan. Anyone ever seen medallions in the corners of ceiling (placed a few feet away for the corner) - kinda hoping this is something that has been done from a design point thus not looking bizarre.

My wife has been a lot more adventurous lately but not quite into an open dungeon design...

Thoughts?
BTW - I have pilfered this idea from another persons web post; can't remember what they did for the concealment thing - Anyone have a link to this?

Netzach · 12-24-2012, 11:37 AM

Just do a detector, who's going to scrutinize it? They'll think "smoke and co2" if they even notice.

Most people are completely absorbed in their own lives, keep this in mind.

Sir_Winston54 · 12-24-2012, 11:58 AM

Maybe try an indoor (fake?) plant? Light-weight, easy to take down when it's playtime, can hide a multitude of "sins."

Netzach · 12-24-2012, 12:05 PM

A ceiling fixture?

IrisAlthea · 12-24-2012, 06:44 PM

Who needs to be that much in your master bedroom?

Can you blame the previous owner, saying they had a light fixture, baby swing, plant or whatever?

TxBookGirl · 12-24-2012, 08:40 PM

I vote for the smoke detector. My house has one in every room but the bathroom and kitchen. I doubt anyone will find it odd. I also like the idea of just putting a plant hook and blaming it on the previous owners.

Please let us know what you decide on going with. I'm curious.

njlauren · 12-25-2012, 04:40 PM

How big a hook are you planning to use? A simple method might be to get one of those medallions you can buy (painted plastic) you can use at the base of a ceiling light fixture and mount a large "plant hook" in the medallion. You could cut a 6" circular opening in the ceiling, and use an 8" medallion with the hook on it (heck, hang some decorative chain on the hook, too), and have the winch "pull" the medallion flush with the ceiling (or use the spring load thing). If anyone asks, say it masks an area on the ceiling that got damaged when a heavy plant pulled the hook down from the ceiling or something. When you want to play, lower the winch cable and the medallion will come down, remove that and the hook is right there. Prob dont even need the spring loaded thing.....To make it more appealing, hang a plant on it for when you aren/t using the hook

pimpslap · 12-28-2012, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxBookGirl

I vote for the smoke detector. My house has one in every room but the bathroom and kitchen. I doubt anyone will find it odd. I also like the idea of just putting a plant hook and blaming it on the previous owners.

Please let us know what you decide on going with. I'm curious.

It takes very little to hide things in the open. No-one will even notice.

Although I would run a pully above the opening and put the winch off to the side a bit. Spread the load around a little.

bambikiller · 12-28-2012, 09:40 AM

I also vote for the smoke edetector.
Where I'm from they are required in every bed room.

Matter a fact you sould install a battery operated one in every bed room that way you're not a pervert just very safty concouse.

CZSteve · 12-28-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Matter a fact you sould install a battery operated one in every bed room that way you'renot a pervertjustvery safty concouse.

Safety first...

satindesire · 12-29-2012, 03:17 AM

If it's in your bedroom, and they see it, and ask, tell them that it's none of their damn business and why are they in your bedroom in the first place?

Stag of Oberon · 12-29-2012, 07:45 AM

a dome style security camera... in a master bedroom?

Yeah definitely go with... ANYTHING else.

rosco rathbone · 12-29-2012, 01:37 PM

ATV winch? lol

Does your wife weigh 3000 lbs??

It's actually a pretty cool idea if you love rigging overkill.

Maybe you could pick up some 3/8ths chokers and some of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Screw-Pin-Li...-/270890656511

Noor · 12-29-2012, 01:40 PM

regular chair swing.

Netzach · 12-29-2012, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosco rathbone

ATV winch? lol

Does your wife weigh 3000 lbs??

It's actually a pretty cool idea if you love rigging overkill.

Maybe you could pick up some 3/8ths chokers and some of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Screw-Pin-Li...-/270890656511

I'm a huge fan of rigging overkill, personally. I worked a space that had this, and the fearlessness in the hardware was niiice.

Dunno about a screw pin LOL but I'm known for using double carabiners for no real reason.

pepperbox · 01-31-2013, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxBookGirl

I also like the idea of just putting a plant hook and blaming it on the previous owners.

Our master bedroom has an odd plant hook in the corner from the previous owners. I have never hung a plant on that hook. I am beginning to think I should take a closer look at the attic.